WATCHMAN™

Twenty percent of strokes are caused by an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation, or AFib. Traditionally, the common treatment for AFib was blood-thinning medication, such as Warfarin. However, long-term use of blood-thinners raise the risk of internal bleeding.

The WATCHMAN™ device offers a non-pharmaceutical solution for a number of patients. The WATCHMAN™ permanently seals off the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart, a small pouch that is the site of almost all stroke-causing blood clots in people with AFib.

Who is a candidate for WATCHMAN™?

Your doctor may recommend implanting a WATCHMAN™ device if you:

• Are at increased risk of stroke and blood-thinning medication is recommended
• Have AFib not caused by a heart valve problem
• Have a history of bleeding problems while taking blood thinners or are unable to tolerate their side effects
• Have a medical condition, occupation or lifestyle that increases your risk of major bleeding due to trauma
• Have trouble staying within the recommended blood-clotting range

You should not have a WATCHMAN™ device implanted if you:

• Are allergic to a material in the device, such as nickel or titanium
• Can’t take blood thinners for a short period of time after the device has been implanted (45 days)
• Need to take blood thinners for a reason other than AFib
• Should not or cannot undergo Heart Catheterization procedures

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact Kelly Harris at watchman@caromonthealth.org.